Ipswich Town snatched a dramatic late equalizer at St Mary's Stadium to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive and deny Southampton a chance to break into the top two. The Tractor Boys, who would have virtually secured second place with a victory, now need to win their final match of the season to guarantee promotion.
Match Highlights
Wes Burns put Ipswich ahead with a powerful strike after poor defending from the home side. However, Southampton quickly responded through Ryan Manning, whose deflected free-kick beat Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton. Manning then turned provider, charging forward on the counter-attack to set up Cyle Larin, who scored what seemed to be the winner in the 80th minute with a composed finish. But substitute Jack Clarke smashed a loose ball into the bottom corner to secure a point for Kieran McKenna's side. Clarke nearly won it moments later, only for Daniel Peretz to produce a stunning late save.
Promotion Race
The result means Southampton will have to settle for the play-offs, while Ipswich, Millwall, and Middlesbrough are the three sides vying for second place on the final day. Ipswich sit second on 81 points, Millwall third on 80, and Middlesbrough fourth on 79. Ipswich must beat QPR on Saturday to secure automatic promotion. Southampton travel to Preston on the final day before turning their attention to the play-offs.
Season Context
Southampton's 20-game unbeaten streak was ended by Manchester City at Wembley, but they responded well against their promotion rivals. Since Tonda Eckert took over on November 2, the team has risen from 21st place following a poor start under Will Still. The 33-year-old has worked wonders in his first senior management role. Ipswich finished 19th to Southampton's 20th in the Premier League last season and have been the best of the rest behind Coventry throughout this campaign.
